Kshipra Marma – Anatomical Location, Effect Of Injury

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) and Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Kshipra Marma is one of the delicate and vital points of the body located in the hands and feet.
Location –
Kshipra Marma is located both in upper and lower limbs, in the hands and foot to be precise. 

Read related: Marma Shaareera: Definition, Composition: Vital Points of The Body

Number

तत्र पादस्य अङ्गुष्ठा अङ्गुल्योः मध्ये क्षिप्रं नाम मर्म, तत्र विद्धस्य आक्षेपेण मरणम्।॥(सु.शा.६)
Number –
Kshipra Marmas are 4 in number, 2 in the hands (1 in each hand) and 2 in the foot (1 in each foot)
1 each in the right and left hand = 2
1 each in the right and left foot = 2

Location

Exact location of Kshipra Marma in the limbs:
In the upper limb
– Kshipra Marma is located exactly between the thumb and the fingers, i.e. in the web between the thumb and index finger, on both hands.

In the lower limb – Kshipra Marma is located exactly between the big toe and fingers, i.e. in the web between the big toe and first toe of both the feet.

Categories

Categories in which the Kshipra Marma is included
Kshipra Marma is classified into various categories. They are as below mentioned –

  1. i) Shaka Gata Marma (Shaaka=Limb) – Since Kshipra Marma is located in both upper and lower limbs; they are classified under shaaka gata marmas i.e. Marmas located in the limbs.
  2. ii) Snayu Marma – This marma is predominantly made up of Snayu i.e. tendons and nerves, which form the structural component of this Marma. Therefore it is classified under Snayu Marma. The other elements are dormant or recessive, namely Sira (blood vessels), Asthi (bone), Sandhi (joints) and Mamsa (muscles).

iii) Kaalantara Praanahara Marma – (Kalantara – gradual, Pranahara – life taking) Kshipra Marma possesses a threat to life in due course of time (doesn’t cause immediate death) following its injury. The impact of injury or damage may not be immediate but happens gradually. Based on the impact of injury, Kshipra Marma is classified under Kalantara Pranahara Marma.

Pramana

Pramana (measurement of Kshipra Marma) –
Kshipra Marma occupies a space of ½ angula dimension (approximately equal to the horizontal dimension or breadth of middle segment of one’s own middle finger)

Effect of Injury

तत्र विद्धस्य आक्षेपेण मरणम्|(सु.शा.६)
Injury to the Kshipra Marma leads to Aakshepana (convulsions) gradually leading to marana (death) in due course of time. If the injury is in the Upper limb, the convulsions can be seen predominantly in the upper portion of the body. If the injury is in lower limb, the convulsions can be seen predominantly in the lower portions of the body.

Modern perspective

Modern Perspective (Practical anatomy) of Ksipra Marma
Structures falling in the area of Kshipra Marma –
Upper Limb:

  • First inter-metacarpal space
  • 1st dorsal inter-osseous muscle
  • Tendons of Abductor pollicis and deep portion of Flexor pollicis brevis
  • Branches of Radial artery and Deep Palmar arch
  • Radialis indicis artery
  • Digital branches of Median nerve

Lower Limb:

  • First inter-metatarsal space
  • Deep peroneal nerve branch to great toe
  • Combined tendon of abductor hallucis and flexor hallucis brevis muscles
  • Bifurcation of first common digital nerve
  • Bifurcation of first dorsal metatarsal artery

We can see the muscles and blood vessels too being present in this area comprising of Kshipra Marma but it is rich in ligaments, tendons and nerves. Therefore it is a Snayu Marma. Even among the ingredients or structures (mentioned above) in relation to Kshipra Marma it is wise to consider the nerves and tendons as susceptible to get injured when Kshipra gets injured. The other structures in the vicinity too may get damaged (affected) but the effects will be chiefly due to the injury to the snayu component.

Just Before Finishing
Hands and foot are important organs of daily activities. We can’t even imagine our day-to-day life without healthy and functional hands. We also need to remember that this part has some delicate and sensitive areas which when over-used or injured can be troublesome. This may make you crippled. The word Pranahara doesn’t essentially mean that it causes death; it may be death of local injured area in terms of its smooth functioning. Be wary of any injury or non-regressing pain around your thumb or big toe. Seek medical attention immediately. Your Kshipra Marma might just be in trouble!!
Click to Consult Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ayu)

Marma therapy for thyroid stimulation

Pressing and releasing repeatedly, once in 5 seconds, on the Kshipra marma for 2 – 3 minutes helps to stimulate this Marma. This is useful in hypothyroidism and heart disorders.

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